DIY To Launch William Shatner Series

Star Trek star William Shatner will be the focus of a new DIY reality series, the network announced Monday.

The network has greenlit the production of The Shatner Project, slated to premiere in 2014, the network said. The five-episode series will focus on the renovation of the veteran actor’s home. Shatner, who also starred in The Practice will oversee the gutting of his 1970s-style California home, including the kitchen, living room and dining room, as well as renovate the front patio area and remodel the media room, according to network officials.

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.